So if you’ve read any of the Aubrey/Maturin books like Master and Commander or The Far Side of the World or any of the Temeraire dragon books, you kind of have this one down already. Richard Sharpe is a lieutenant in the British infantry in 1809 fighting against the French army in Spain. He’s on a mission to become a captain and to capture a French eagle, a ceremonial figure head that leads the French army into battle. The quest for these two goals, a more fully realized […]
The King Arthur Legend Grounded in Historical Reality
Bingo Square: Throwback Thursday I originally read this novel, and the rest of the trilogy it belongs to, over a decade ago when I was in Iraq. It was a gift from the same friend that turned to me onto A Game of Thrones, and I had fond memories of this take on the Arthurian legend that mostly attempts to be grounded in reality. As a historical fiction nerd, I can definitely see why this approach appealed to me, especially since it leaned heavily on […]
Fatigue is setting in…
Really a 2.5 but rounded up to a 3, The Burning Land is the fifth book in Cornwell’s Saxon Chronicles and, in my case at least if not in Uhtred’s, fatigue is starting to set in. Uhtred and Alfred are now knocking on a bit for medieval standards (even if Uhtred is still younger than me) with Alfred experiencing increasingly ill health and therefore eager for Uhtred to give his oath to his son and heir, Edward. Contrary as ever, Uhtred refuses and, following the […]
Come get some
“So long as there is a kingdom on this windswept island, there will be war.” I started reading Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories just over a month ago. As I’m now on the 4th instalment, I think it’s pretty safe to say that I’m a fan. Uhtred Uhtredsson started the series as the heir to Bebbanburg following the death of his older brother, until his father was killed by invading Danes and he was taken and raised by his father’s killer. Taking advantage of his absence, […]